If eyes are the windows to our souls, then we definitely want to make sure we're taking care of the curtains -- aka our eyelashes.
Beyond enhancing the appearance of eyelashes with mascara, we often don't think about their general health. But we should. Lashes help protect our eyes from foreign objects -- plus when they look good, we look good.
In celebration of National Lash Day (Feb. 19), we got a few burning questions answered about eyelashes by Clementina Richardson, a celebrity lash expert and founder of Envious Lashes in New York City.
Check them out below and make sure to keep your curtains lashes in good shape.
HuffPost: Should we be taking care of our lashes on a daily basis?Richardson: In order to maintain healthy lashes, thoroughly clean your face, including the eye area, before going to bed every night. Look for cleansers specially recommended for eyes and clean the eyes gently with a sponge to remove dirt and makeup. Also make sure not to tug at your lashes too much when applying makeup or taking makeup off at the end of the day. Just like you would apply night cream or serum to your face, applying a conditioning serum before bedtime is key.
Is there a common mistake people make that leads to lash loss?
Yes, excessive rubbing of the eyes or picking off mascara is a big no-no. Being too aggressive when cleansing off mascara can also lead to lash loss.
What are some ways to promote lash growth?
Use a lash conditioning serum that promotes density, length and most importantly, diameter of the natural lashes.
Are there dangerous ingredients we should be avoiding when buying mascara?
Avoid mascara that contains ethel alcohol because it’s very drying, causing the lashes to be brittle and resulting in breakage. Look for mascaras that are also free of parabens and phthalates.
What's the best way to keep lashes clean and healthy?
Be sure to cleanse your lashes daily with a gentle cleanser. Baby shampoo is a great alternative -- it's gentler on the eyes. It's also important to avoid sharing your makeup with others to avoid cross contamination.
Is eyelash dandruff a real thing?
Lash dandruff just refers to flaking eyelids. But it can come from a number of things: Seborrheic dermatitis (an overgrowth of yeast), an allergy to eye makeup or eye products, an autoimmune problem called Sjogren's syndrome which is an autoimmune disease, psoriasis, or Blepharitis, a chronic inflammation caused by bacteria. An individual who has these symptoms should see an ophthalmologist.
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